Orange County Fire Rescue
Media Contact: firepio@ocfl.net

Orange County Issues Burn Ban as Drought Index Rises

Orange County, FL – A burn ban is currently in effect for unincorporated areas of Orange County and any municipalities that Orange County Fire Rescue services, including Edgewood, Belle Isle, Oakland, and Eatonville.

Burn bans are automatically instituted under Orange County’s Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) meets or exceeds 500. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless a permit has been issued. Outdoor burning authorized by the state or county is not affected by this ban, nor is the use of outdoor grills or pits as defined in Section 18-4 of the Orange County Code.

Violators face having the fire extinguished and enforcement action up to and including the issuance of a citation by Orange County officials. The burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days. Orange County will make an announcement regarding a lift of the ban through local news media, social media, and the Orange County websites.

Additional Resources:

Orange County Fire Rescue reminds residents to take the following actions to protect their families and homes from fire danger:

  • Create at least 30 feet of defensible – meaning clean and green – space around your home
  • Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyards
  • Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters
  • Have a plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home directly abuts wildlands
  • Monitor local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions, and other hazards
  • Use extreme caution when grilling, camping, and discarding cigarettes
  • Call 9-1-1 if you see fire in your area
  • Download the OCFL Alertapp and sign up for OC Alert to stay abreast of rapidly changing conditions and warnings for your area

 

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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